The Hungarians are now fourth in Group 3. Continue reading
Hungarian national team head coach Marco Rossi says Friday’s opponents, the Netherlands, are even stronger than Germany, who defeated Hungary 5-0 in the UEFA Nations League in September.
“In the last two years, since September 2022, we have lost a total of four games, with Ireland being the exception because the winning goal was scored from our position, but we were in control throughout. That was an unlucky meeting. Two of the other three defeats were to Germany and one to Switzerland, who are in the top 15 in the world rankings. The Netherlands are seventh, thus you do not have to be Einstein to know that we are in for a particularly tough encounter.
You only have to look at where their football players play, and based on that, the Netherlands are probably stronger than Germany,”
the Italian head coach stressed at a press conference.
Marco Rossi. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor
The 60-year-old coach noted that he expects the rivals to dominate, to seek possession and to dictate the tempo. “We have to defend well, not concede space in midfield. When we have a chance, we have to attack quickly,” Rossi added.
As for the return of former team captain Ádám Szalai, he said his impression so far was positive. It is a new situation for him, there are dynamics that he still needs to understand, but he is available to the players and the professional staff.
Training of the national football team. Photo: MTI/Kovács Tamás
National team player Zsolt Nagy stressed that Ádám Szalai has the same attitude as a coach as a football player, he pays attention to everything and motivates everyone.
About Friday’s clash, he emphasized: “You have to pay attention to everything, because even if everyone does their best, it is going to be a very difficult match. If we can work together as a team, maybe we can get a good result, which in this case would mean more than just winning,” said the Puskás Akadémia player, who stressed that they have proven that they can also perform against top teams if they work together.
The match at the sold-out Puskás Arena will kick off at 9:45 p.m.
According to MTI, the Hungarian starting team is expected to consist of: Dénes Dibusz, Attila Fiola, Willi Orbán, Márton Dárdai, Bendegúz Bolla, Ándrás Schäfer, Ádám Nagy, Zsolt Nagy, Kevin Csoboth, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Barnabás Varga.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd